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How Islam Teaches to Overcome Depression

What is Depression?

Depression is one of the most serious and yet common illnesses globally. Depression not only affects you emotionally but its effects can be noticed physically. Depression alters the way you think, act and behave. It causes a feeling of loss/ sadness and deteriorates the person’s ability to perform functions of daily routine both personally and professionally.

According to psychological studies, it is interesting to see a fact that majority of the global population suffers from depression in one form or the other. So it is important to see this issue in the context of being Muslim and how it can be a life saver. Islam is not just a religion that people follow but it offers a way of life that and transform the overall outcome of the life in a positive manner. Islam not only offers solution to the problem of depression but also has the solution of each and every problem imaginable.

Commitment of sins play a major role in our unhappiness and depression. The way us humans are designed, when we commit a sin, we feel guilty about it which leads to sadness, anxiety and depression. It is this feeling of guilt which might repent us to Allah or with an ignorant attitude we might end up sinning again. Allah in the Quran says:

And whoever turns away from My remembrance to him there will be a difficult life.” (Quran, 20:124)

A little bit of anxiety, stress and depression are part of life and can be cured by praying five times a day and positive thinking. As Muslims we have a firm believe that every problem in our life is due to Allah and he will be the one to solve our problems. If one feels depressed and sad he or she should read supplication for depression and strengthen their belief in the Almighty Allah. Allah says in Holy Quran:

“Allah is the Protector of those who have faith He will lead them from the depths of darkness into light. As for those who disbelieve, their patrons are the devils: from the light, they will lead them forth into the depths of darkness. They will be companions of the fire, to dwell therein (forever).” (Quran, 2:257)

Dealing with Anxiety and Depression According to Quran and Sunnah

We should have complete faith in the Almighty Allah and to overcome depression or anxiety following can be taken:

Make Dua to Almighty Allah:

A Muslim should always believe that the solution to every problem in our lives can be found by making dua to Allah (SWT). No matter how depressed, sad or stress you might be feeling, you can always get a relift by talking to Allah (SWT) and making dua. As Allah knows what is in your heart already but still wants you to ask him to grant your wishes. Prohphet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) said:

“Allah is angry with those who do not ask Him for anything.”(Tirmidhi).

Allah (SWT) is the knowing of all things even those which are hidden from us and He is the one who can help us.

Read Surah Ad Duha:

As we have a firm believe that Allah (SWT) is the all knowing and he is the greatest of schemers and ask us to see the pattern of events or things in a broader spectrum. After Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) started receiving revelations from Allah (SWT), at one point the revelations stopped for a long period at which the people of Makkah started teasing him and the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) got worried and depressed. At that time Allah (SWT) revealed the following chapter of the Quran to the Holy Prophet.

I swear by the forenoon, and by the night when it becomes peaceful, your Lord (O Prophet,) has neither forsaken you, nor has become displeased.Surely the Hereafter is much better for you than the present life. And of course, your Lord will give you so much that you will be pleased. Did He not find you an orphan, and give you shelter? And He found you unaware of the way (the Sharī‘ah ), then He guided you. and He found you in need, then made you need-free. Therefore, as for orphan, do not oppress him, and as for the beggar, do not scold him. And about the bounty of your Lord, do talk. Quran 93: 1-11)

This Surah beautifully defines that we should never lose faith in the Almighty Allah and should be considered as a great recipe to overcome depression and anxiety.

Remembering Allah (Zikar):

The best way to avoid depression and anxiety is to keep yourself busy and there is no best way to keep yourself busy is none other than doing Zikar and remembering Allah (SWT) which will not only comforts your heart but also overcome depression and anxiety. Allah (SWT) says in Quran:

“Those who believe, and whose hearts find peace in the remembrance of Allah: for without doubt in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find peace.” (Quran, 13:28)

Offer Salah:

Performing Salah is a great way release stress and depression. Praying five times a day and on time not only will purify your mind and soul but it will also restore discipline in your life which will help you focus and stay positive. Offering Salah is also a great way to connect with Allah (SWT). Allah (SWT) says in Quran:

“O you who believe! Resort to patience and prayer; surely, Allah is with the patient.” (Quran, 2:153)

Recite the Holy Quran:

Reciting Quran offers the best way to remember and connect with the Almighty Allah. Quran is one of the best sources of attaining peace and comfort. is the best form of remembrance Allah Almighty it brings comfort and peace to the heart. Prophet (P.B.U.H) said:

“Quran is the best remedy for the illness of the soul” (Bukhari).

Reciting Surah Nas:

Constantly reciting Surah Nas will safeguard one from depression and cheer the mood of one who suffers from depression.

Seek Help Through Sabr:

Knowing that Allah (SWT) is in control of all things and He is the one one who created the circumstances for us to be in some bad situation and He will be the one to take us out from it. So as Muslims being patient and trust that Allah (SWT) will help us overcome each and every problem with ease. Allah (SWT) says in Holy Quran:

“Seek help through Sabr and Salah” (Quran 2:45).

Rely on Allah Almighty (Tawakkul):

It is necessary for each and every Muslim to put his or her trust in Allah (SWT) and truly believe that He is the most knowing and wise and will take you out of specific situation or problem with ease. Allah (SWT) says in the Quran:

“When you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah” (Quran 3: 159).

Seek Forgiveness for Your Sins:

Not a soul on this face of the Earth can claim not to commit a sin ever except the Prophets of Allah (SWT). When a sin is committed over hearts get filled with stress and anxiety which leads to depression. As Allah is Al-Reham, Al-Raheem, we must repent from our sins and seek His forgiveness and also try to forgive others so that we can avoid depression.

Don’t Procrastinate:

Being lazy and doing nothing is one of the major causes of stress and depression. One has keep himself busy in remembering Allah (SWT), praying five times a day and seeking refuge and forgiveness from sins same as the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) use to seek refuge in Allah from laziness.

Allah helps those who have belief in Him to overcome depression and anxiety. May Allah helps us to deal with depression and stress with these Islamic healing points that mentioned above. Ameen!

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